Oswestry and Shrewsbury in the running for Britain in Bloom finals
Shrewsbury and Oswestry are hoping they will be the pick of the crop when judging takes place for an annual nationwide floral competition.
The two towns are among 76 villages, communities, towns and cities to have made the final cut in the Royal Horticultural Society’s 2018 Britain in Bloom competition.
Shrewsbury is in the running for the Small City title and will be up against Derry City, Durham and Rochdale.
Oswestry is in the Large Town category and will be competing against Beverley, Penrith, Ballymena, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Bury St Edmunds, Congleton, Colwyn Bay and Perth. Following the success of last year’s entry in the Heart of England in Bloom competition, winning gold in the Small City Category, Shrewsbury has automatically qualified for the prestigious competition.
Oswestry also won gold and took the title in the large town category. It was the first time the town, one of the smallest in the category, had been named overall winner for the category.
Chairman of the Oswestry in Bloom committee, Betty Gull, said: “The emphasis is not so much on community initiatives as it is in the Heart of England competition but much more horticultural.
“This will be a great adventure for Oswestry and we need to get the community on board, whether that is volunteering to join the committee or by doing their bit for the judges visit.
“We need community groups to look after their green spaces.
“We would also like businesses to get involved in the town council’s hanging basket scheme and individuals to ensure their front gardens are looking their best.”
Keith Roberts, chairman of Shrewsbury in Bloom said: “I am delighted that Shrewsbury has once again been chosen.”
